f the media is only a reflection of society, then the media's
response to the recent race relations conference at Fisk University
(in Tennessee) shows how confused society still is about the Cold
Realities of race. A cover story offers an in-depth look at both
the conference itself (where rapper Chuck D. raised eyebrows with
his "We got to kill some people" speech) and the press's
inconsistent reactions to the proceedings. Weekly Wire
has included articles on the Fisk event twice previously (last
week and the week before that) -- check them out for a fuller
perspective. And for further evidence of how the press often misrepresents
race, read about some reporters who flubbed statistics regarding
local gang membership.

peaking of ongoing news stories, way back in the July 2-8 issue
we ran an article about some mysterious lights over Phoenix that
left onlookers shouting "U.F.O.!" Now it appears the
case has been solved -- the F.O. I.D.'ed, if you will -- as this
story explains. One case that may never be solved, but is far
more grounded in Cold Reality, involves finding a viable cure
for AIDS. For some victims of the brutal disease, new anti-viral
drugs called protease inhibitors are the next best thing, bringing
back both energy and immunity. But are these expensive, time-intensive
medications more trouble than they're worth? An article explores
the resulting dilemma over "quality of life."

ife-and-death issues also receive focus in our editorials this
week. Jeff Smith's rant about the ongoing investigation of last year's TWA disaster suggests
that maybe we should just let things lie, if you'll pardon
the pun. Captain Opinion has basically the same take on a different
question: whether to put up a Holocaust memorial in a public
park. Gruff though they may be, both Smith's and Mr. Opinion's
views carry the Coldly Realistic weight of common sense. So does
this Helter Shelter column berating half-assed solutions to home
repair needs. That's a lot of Cold Reality, but don't say we didn't warn you. Brrr!

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July 28 - August 4, 1997

Without Consensus
Reflecting on the dialogue that took place at the Fisk Race Relations Institute's recent national conference. [2]Margaret Renkl

Case Closed?
The mysterious lightshow over Phoenix appears to have been a routine training exercise. [3]Jim Nintzel and Julian Grajewski

Epidemic Change
Protease inhibitors, a miracle drug for AIDS victims, has decreased the percentage of deaths. But has it increased their quality of life? [4]Maureen Zent